Origin and Common Names
Melastomastrum schlechteri (Gilg) A.Fern. & R.Fern. is a species of flowering plant in the family Melastomataceae. It is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, including Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. The plant is commonly known as the Uganda Mallow or Uganda Medicine Tree.
Uses
The plant's leaves, stem, and roots have been used for various medicinal purposes by indigenous tribes. The leaves are used to treat bacterial infections, fungal infections, skin infections, and respiratory problems, while the stems and roots are used as a purgative and laxative. The plant is also used in traditional African medicine to treat inflammation, fever, and various types of pain.
General Appearance
Melastomastrum schlechteri is a small to medium-sized tree, growing up to 6 meters tall. The leaves are opposite, simple, and oblong-ovate, with a length of 7-10 cm and a width of 3-5 cm. The flowers are deep pink-purple, with a diameter of about 2 cm, and have five petals that are slightly overlapping. The fruit is a berry that is 1-2 cm in diameter, green when young, and turning black when mature. The plant grows well in full sun and partial shade and prefers well-drained soils.
Growth Conditions for Melastomastrum schlechteri (Gilg) A.Fern. & R.Fern.
Melastomastrum schlechteri (Gilg) A.Fern. & R.Fern. is a shrubby plant species that belongs to the Melastomataceae family. Commonly referred to as the African rhododendron, this evergreen shrub is native to Africa and typically grows in mountainous regions.
Light Requirements
The African rhododendron thrives in areas that receive bright, filtered light. In its native habitat, the plant typically grows in the understory of forests, which provides it with some shade. When grown in gardens, the plant should be shielded from direct sunlight, as this can cause its leaves to burn. Ideally, the plant requires 50-70% shade.
Temperature Requirements
Melastomastrum schlechteri (Gilg) A.Fern. & R.Fern. is a hardy plant species that can tolerate a range of temperatures. However, it prefers temperatures ranging from 18°C to 25°C. The plant can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°C but may experience leaf drop and other problems at temperatures below this range.
Soil Requirements
The African rhododendron prefers acidic, well-draining soil. If the soil is excessively drained, the plant may suffer from water stress, and its leaves may turn brown, which could eventually lead to death. A pH range of 4.5 to 6.5 is most ideal for the African rhododendron. The soil should also be rich in organic matter to provide the plant with the necessary nutrients for healthy growth.
Cultivation Methods of Melastomastrum schlechteri
Melastomastrum schlechteri is a plant that thrives in a warm and humid environment. It is generally grown outdoors in a tropical climate but can also be planted in a greenhouse with high humidity levels. The plant prefers full sunlight, but it can also grow in partial shade.
You must plant the Melastomastrum schlechteri in a well-draining soil mix that's rich in organic matter. It is best to propagate it using seeds or cuttings from a mature plant. The seeds are sown in soil at a depth of 1-2 cm, and cuttings can root easily into the soil.
Watering Needs for Melastomastrum schlechteri
While watering your Melastomastrum schlechteri, ensure that the soil is kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged. During the growing season, frequent watering is necessary, especially during dry spells. However, in winter, watering should be reduced to avoid waterlogging, which can cause root rot.
Ensure that you water the soil directly and not over the leaves. Overhead watering can create a humid environment that promotes fungal growth that can damage the plant. A layer of mulch around the base of the plant can help retain moisture in the soil.
Fertilization of Melastomastrum schlechteri
You can fertilize your Melastomastrum schlechteri using a balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The best time to apply fertilizer is during the growing season, from spring to summer. Dilute the fertilizer to a quarter or half of its strength and apply it once a month.
Do not apply fertilizer to dry soil, as it can damage the roots. On the other hand, overfertilization can lead to an excessive growth rate that weakens the plant.
Pruning of Melastomastrum schlechteri
Pruning is generally not required for the Melastomastrum schlechteri. However, it can be shaped to prevent it from getting too leggy or tall. Pruning also helps to remove dead or damaged branches, allowing for better airflow and light penetration to the plant's center.
Use sharp and sterile pruning tools to avoid any risk of disease. Cutting the plant back by one-third of its length after flowering can help it grow bushier and produce more flowers.
Propagation of Melastomastrum schlechteri
Melastomastrum schlechteri is a highly valued ornamental plant that is naturally propagated by seeds. The plant can also be propagated asexually through cuttings.
Seed Propagation
The best time to collect the seeds of Melastomastrum schlechteri is during the rainy season when the fruits turn black and are ready to open. Once collected, the seeds should be cleaned and dried for a few days to avoid fungal attacks. They should be sown in well-drained and moist soil and covered with a thin layer of sand. The seedlings should be watered regularly to ensure proper growth.
Cutting Propagation
Cuttings from the plant's mature stem can be taken in the early morning and treated with rooting hormones before planting. The cuttings should be planted in a mixture of soil and sand to enhance water drainage and prevent fungal attacks. They should be kept in a humid environment and misted daily until rooting occurs. The rooted cuttings should be transplanted to individual pots or directly into the ground.
Disease Management
There are several diseases that can affect Melastomastrum schlechteri, including anthracnose, leaf blight, and root rot. Here are some ways to manage these diseases:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease can cause dark lesions on leaves and stems. To manage anthracnose, prune affected leaves and stems, and dispose of them far away to prevent further infection. You may also apply fungicides containing copper to control anthracnose.
- Leaf blight: It causes small, round spots on leaves that eventually develop a yellow halo. To prevent leaf blight, avoid overhead watering and improve air circulation around the plant. You can also treat leaf blight with fungicides containing copper or mancozeb.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by waterlogged soil, leading to root decay and wilting of the plant. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering and ensure proper drainage to avoid waterlogging. Use fungicides containing fosetyl-aluminum or thiophanate-methyl to prevent further fungal growth.
Pest Management
Common pests that may affect Melastomastrum schlechteri include aphids, mealybugs, and scale insects. Here are some ways to manage these pests:
- Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects can damage plant leaves and stems by sucking the sap from them. You can manage aphids by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil, or introducing natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings.
- Mealybugs: They appear as white, cottony masses on the plant, especially in leaf axils and stem crevices. You can manage mealybugs by lightly spraying the plant with rubbing alcohol, or manually removing them with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. You may also apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to control mealybugs.
- Scale insects: They look like bumps on the stem or leaves of the plant and can damage it by sucking out the sap. To manage scale insects, you can scrape them off manually or use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove them. You may also apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to control scale insects.
